Timeline
1 month
Role
UX and UI Designer
Tools
Figma
Project Overview
The Problems
Limited Message Functionality - Searching for specific contacts or applying bulk actions is cumbersome. Implementing a search bar, checkboxes, and mass selection tools would make managing contacts easier.
Disorganized Contact Management - Without personalized categories, and collapsible sections, users struggle to efficiently group and retrieve important connections. A more structured system enhances accessibility and workflow.
Little Customization - A rigid category system limits user customization, making it difficult to tailor filtering options to specific needs. By allowing more flexibility in category creation and management, users can streamline their workflow, enhance organization, and rely on a system that adapts to their unique preferences.
The Solutions
Filter Rehaul
I've completely redesigned the LinkedIn Connections filter bar for a more intuitive and customizable experience. The new collapsible categories keep the workspace organized, while a search bar allows quick access to filters and tags. The "Add New Filter" section lets users create custom filters with specific tags, which can be easily removed by hovering. This update gives users more control, making networking and connection management seamless.
Profile Tags
I’ve built a new tagging system that seamlessly integrates with the filter sidebar, making it easier to organize and categorize connections. Clicking the "Tags" button on a profile card opens a modal showing all associated tags, with a search bar to quickly find, add, or remove them. This system allows for effortless customization, helping you filter and manage connections more efficiently.
Messaging Modal
Research
Lots of bumps in the road
The research phase of this project didn’t go as planned. Secondary research turned up little to no discussion about the issue I wanted to address. I moved on to competitive research but then I quickly realized that LinkedIn is a unique platform with no direct competitors. The only somewhat similar site I found, Xing, a Germany-based networking platform banned me shortly after creating an account. With limited secondary and competitive research options, I turned to user interviews. I conducted five interviews with LinkedIn users, ensuring diversity in usage patterns, ranging from infrequent users to daily active users. This approach provided a well-rounded perspective on the challenges different types of users face. It also helped me focus the scope of my project from what originally was going to be an a/b test where I tested two completely different takes on the product to what is now just one simple rehaul of the already existing page.
Iterations
Designing for Clarity Over Flash
At first, I wanted to create something grand, fresh and exciting yet true to the design system. I introduced a new component that looked the part but felt distinct. However, testing revealed that users struggled to connect it with other elements, making navigation harder. So, I scaled back, aligning more closely with the existing design language, and the results were far better. This reinforced a key lesson: style means nothing if it's not intuitive and accessible.
Take-aways
Prioritize Usability Over Flashy Features